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Series

Empires of Bronze

The Empires of Bronze series follows the Hittite prince Hattu, the future king Hattusili III, through the final century of the Late Bronze Age. Beginning with his dangerous childhood, the sequence places him inside the rivalry between Hatti and Egypt, the Battle of Kadesh, a struggle for the Hittite throne and the legendary war at Troy.

Across six novels, the fortunes of one royal family become inseparable from the weakening of the eastern Mediterranean world. The series combines dynastic conflict, military campaigning and survival with Hittite records, Egyptian history and traditions associated with the Trojan War and the Bronze Age Collapse.

Reading order

Books in this series (6 books)

Son of Ishtar cover

1. Son of Ishtar

Gordon Doherty

4.3(1,405)

In 1315 BCE, the Hittite king Mursili is warned in a dream that his newborn son Hattu will bring bloodshed and destruction upon the royal house. The prophecy condemns the boy to a lonely childhood while Egypt, Assyria, Ahhiyawa and the Hittites compete for power and…

Dawn of War cover

2. Dawn of War

Gordon Doherty

4.6(707)

In 1294 BCE, the fragile peace between the Hittite and Egyptian empires begins to fail. Hattu, now an experienced prince and commander, believes that war can still be prevented and leads a small company into the eastern borderlands where the two powers meet. The mission becomes…

Thunder at Kadesh cover

3. Thunder at Kadesh

Gordon Doherty

4.6(629)

In 1275 BCE, the Hittite and Egyptian empires mobilise for a decisive campaign around the fortified city of Kadesh. Hattu marches with the Hittite host while Pharaoh Ramesses II advances from the south, bringing the rival powers toward one of the largest chariot battles of the…

The Crimson Throne cover

4. The Crimson Throne

Gordon Doherty

4.6(515)

In 1272 BCE, Hattu returns from Kadesh to find the Hittite king dead and Urhi-Teshub established on the throne. The new ruler governs through executions, confiscations and fear, while Hattu’s family is spared only so long as he gives unquestioning obedience. Hattu must choose between protecting…

The Shadow of Troy cover

5. The Shadow of Troy

Gordon Doherty

4.6(505)

In 1258 BCE, Troy is close to defeat after years of siege by Agamemnon’s coalition. Priam’s defenders wait for promised Hittite aid, but Hattu has inherited a weakened empire, an exhausted army and vassals who question his right to rule. Bound by Hatti’s oath to protect…

The Dark Earth cover

6. The Dark Earth

Gordon Doherty

4.6(483)

In 1237 BCE, drought, earthquakes and shortages destabilise the kingdoms of the eastern Mediterranean. Tudha inherits the Hittite throne and attempts to preserve an empire already weakened by internal rivalry, failing harvests and enemies along its borders. As alliances collapse, a mass movement of displaced peoples…